Countering the Increasing Energy Consumption in Growing Cities

Bio: Constant Cap has a MasterÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. He holds an undergraduate degree from the same university. He writes about urban planning issues online and in local dailies. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya he passionate about the planning issues facing African Cities. He has a deep interest in sustainable transportation, urban resilience and new urbanism. He is also a Graduate Member of the Town and County Planners Association of Kenya. He has previously worked at the Strathmore University Advancement Office. He currently works as the Executive Director of Kilimani Project Foundation.

The levels of energy demand vary from single unit residential lighting to large scale industrial production plants. Additionally, inbuilt heating systems for buildings or air conditioning systems may be required depending on the climatic zone. These requirements vary depending on the density, population and planning of the area.

Nairobi has a population of slightly over 3.5 million people that is expected to grow to 5 million people by 2030. Due to this, energy and consumption demands are on the rise. To avoid ending up like many other modern cities, highly polluted and congested, there is a need to examine efficiency in energy use. NairobiÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s climatic conditions favour investment in renewable energy withall year sunlight, moderate wind and regular rainfall.

Even so, the vast majority of middle and lower class areas have Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â witnessed little effort in basics such as natural lighting and ventilation. Buildings are Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â often Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â put up right next to each other in total disregard of Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â planning laws and regulations. Studies indicate that buildings can save up to 50% energy depending on their design; the same applies for cities on a larger scale.

Another major energy consumer and pollutant is vehicular mobility. The city is experiencing increased use of private vehicles and lacks any form of adequate mass transit to counter Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â this trend. This is exacerbated by increased sprawl brought about by poor traditional zoning policies. A recent NMT policy developed for the City is yet to be adopted and its implementation will require a lot of political goodwill and investment.

There is Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â a vast array of measures Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â that cities can adopt Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â to attain efficient energy use. Several cities have accomplished this using a variety of means. Building and Heating, Public Lighting, Solid Water Management, Urban Planning (Land use), Transportation, Water and Wastewater use, Housing (especially low income) are some of the major sectors Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â that can be reviewed when working towards energy efficiency.

What should be the immediate short term measures growing cities can take towards reducing energy consumption? What are the most efficient means of renewable energy used in your city?